Victoria Franks Rios (b, 1970, Shreveport, Louisiana) is a Dallas, TX based multimedia artist who, since 2018, has an established studio practice as an artist-in-residence at the renowned GoldMark Cultural Center.

 

Rooted in her Catholic faith, Rios’ works reveal themes of the human experience, nature, and the interconnectedness of everything. She incorporates unique elements into each piece created: solid color pigment dye, acrylics, oils and neon, and layering materials such as sand, semi precious stones, dirt, gun powder, natural metals, shells, wood, rosaries, found objects, as well as personal family mementos - all materials used to convey the expression of her intent.

 

The cornerstone of her childhood was paved in northeast Louisiana, along the Cane River in Natchitoches. Enriched in a vibrant community of regional artists, some of her Rios’ earliest memories are of gazing at the colorful still life drawings of renowned outsider artist, Clementine Hunter. Although she was encoded with a deep appreciation of creative culture from birth, Rios painted in the closet for many years. Instead, she focused on building a life with her husband and prioritized the activities of her growing family, until the passing of her beloved mother, in 1999. Only then did Rios unveil herself as an artist.

 

In concurrence with her studio practice, Rios has dedicated much of her life to supporting visual arts as a volunteer, fundraiser, and philanthropist. She has served on boards and chaired events for numerous art organizations: Dallas Texas ArtWalk, GoldMark Community Cultural Center Advisory, and Goldmark ArtWalk.  At the Newport Art Museum, she was a member of the Board of Trustees and the collection committee, and for several years served as Chairman for WETpaint, a weekend long plein aire festival held every summer in New England.

 

Rios resides in Dallas with her husband of 28 years. They have two daughters, and a beloved granddog, SugarBear.